Dave Schwartz

Dave Schwartz, age 67, of Manitowoc, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Dave was born July 30, 1958, in Chilton, WI son of Harland and Shirley (Rusch) Schwartz. He graduated from Brillion High School in 1976.

After high school Dave worked at Ariens Co. and worked as a Horseshoer part-time, which eventually grew into a full-time job. Dave married Shann (Schmidt) Schwartz on May 15, 1981, and moved to Manitowoc where he and Shann started Little Brook Performance Horses, a horse training business, and stables. In 1984, Dave helped establish WG&R Mattress Factory in Two Rivers and continued his employment there for 15 years.

Dave’s passion for horses led him to become a full-time horse trainer at their farm. During this time, he trained numerous State, National and World Champion Quarter horses and Appaloosas. He also coached riders, too much success, in various riding disciplines.

Dave had a love for Auctioneering and was offered a position at Equity Livestock where he Auctioneered at various Equity Livestock markets throughout Wisconsin with Bonduel being his home market. He also raised beef calves for resale.

Dave was a fun guy whose moves on the dance floor were like no other! In his early years Dave was an avid barrel racer throughout the Midwest. He also showed draft horses at major State Fairs in Wisconsin and surrounding states. He enjoyed coaching his sons and daughter in grade school basketball, loved playing poker and sheepshead, and cheering on the Packers and the Badgers. Dave loved God and his family and especially cherished their family vacations.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Shann. His sons: Bryce (Amy Johnson) Fischer, Bret (Ann Aleckson) Fischer. His daughter: Kelly (Curt Burger) Schwartz and grandchildren: Kollin (Miranda) Fischer, Bailey (Kendra Lemberger) Fischer, Clayton and Ayden Fischer, Landon and Maezey Fischer, Carter and Keaton Burger. He is further survived by his mother Shirley Schwartz, sister: Brenda (Doug) Moxley and brother: Micheal Schwartz. Brothers-in-law: Paul Schmidt, Steve (Lori) Schmidt, and Bill (Sylvia) Schmidt. Along with many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his father: Harland Schwartz and mother and father-in-law: Ann and Ray Schmidt. A sister: Pam Jepson, brother-in-law: Jeff Jepson, sisters-in-law: Michele Schmidt and Connie Holschbach and brother-in-law: Dale Holschbach.

A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held on Saturday June 6, 2026, at the family farm. Little Brook Performance Horses, 5708 Carstens Lake Rd., Manitowoc, WI from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. 

The family would like to thank HomeCare Health Services & Hospice for helping with Dave’s care in the last week.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dave Schwartz, please visit our floral store.